DEFINITION:

Observatory technologies are necessary to design, manufacture, test, and operate space telescopes and antennas, which collect, concentrate, or transmit photons. Observatory technologies enable or enhance large aperture monolithic and segmented single apertures as well as structurally connected or free-flying sparse and interferometric apertures. Applications span the electromagnetic spectrum.

Note: see also 1-H-5

(Source: NASA TA8.2. See also ESA TD 16B and 16C)

SUBDOMAINS:

1. Mirror Systems: The ability to manufacture and test monolithic and segmented large-mirror systems that can accommodate normal and grazing incidence in the visible/ultraviolet (UV)/infrared (IR) and X-ray portions of the spectrum.
2. Structures and Antennas: Structures that can support large antennas and hold mirrors in a stable, strain-free state under the influence of anticipated dynamic and thermal stimuli. Note: see also 1-B-2.
3. Distributed Aperture: For extra-large apertures, a method to create the aperture via deployment, assembly, or formation flying — where formation-flying technology is an actively controlled virtual structure.